The Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) is keeping a weather eye on the capital to head off a potential surge in street brawls during Ramadan.

Authorities have red-flagged 43 flashpoints across Jakarta’s five administrative cities, identifying them as high-risk areas for potential clashes.

Satpol PP Chief Satriadi Gunawan explained that while 1,900 personnel are currently on the beat daily, the agency will double down by deploying extra reinforcements specifically to monitor these trouble spots.

"Data from the National Unity and Politics Office (Kesbangpol) identifies 43 hotspots for brawls. We are getting ahead of the curve to anticipate and prevent any disturbances," he said, Thursday (2/19).

While zeroing in on 43 high-risk zones, Satriadi insisted his team will not let their guard down across the rest of the city. He noted, the nature of these street brawls is fluid, often flaring up in unpredictable locations at a moment's notice.

To nip potential clashes in the bud, Satpol PP is joining forces with the Police and army (TNI). This inter-agency coordination aims to ensure early intervention before any disturbances can escalate.

He emphasized that the strategy is not just about muscle-flexing through enforcement. It also involves a soft-power approach, using community engagement and education to weed out the culture of youth brawls from the grassroots level.

Further, his side is set to crack down on the illegal alcohol trade. He has ordered his men to carry out surprise sweeps to dry up the black market during the holy month.

“We're keeping our cards close to our chest regarding the schedule. If we let the cat out of the bag, these raids would be dead in the water,” he concluded.